Things like this are always a risk, anywhere, anytime, but especially in 3rd world countries. I have been around the world (literally) and have visited over 35 countries. I have limited my travels to central and south America for this very reason.

But I should say the the worst and most violent crime I have ever suffered was in my own neighborhood, in my own town, in my own state, and in my own country, the USA.

I guess my question is: Why didn't the US Consulate get them to the US Embassy ASAP? It would seem that their citizenship could be quickly ascertained in this day and age, even in 3rd tier towns in Peru. Once that's done, the US Embassy should have stepped in and provided assistance.

It's an unfortunate incident that always has the potential to occur when traveling to the edges. I hope everyone involved heals and recovers as fully as possible.

Look,, in this day and age,, traveling abroad may very well get you GRIEF.

I know of two taxidermists that went to South America- on some islands to photograph birds for a reference album. Never been seen or heard from since. There are MANY more missing or dead from Peru and many other countries, including Argentina. travel,, at your OWN RISK.

That's horrible. If you or your friends are reading this, best wishes for speedy recovery.

When I was in Ecuador, Peru wasn't particularly dangerous. Always, there's some risk of banditos wherever you go, and even more so in outlying areas.

I'd still go to Peru. I usually hire a local guide who knows the lay of the land and can keep their ear to the ground if I go off the beaten path.

JLP is right -- traveling with fancy gear is a sure way to lose it. Had a bus driver steal the perlon cord that I used to tie my kayak to the roof, right in front of me -- he was on top, lowered the boat to me, and refused to throw down the cord. I always lied to the locals about the cost of the boats and the plane ticket to get there to (probably, futilely) minimize the perception of wealth as much as possible.

This is obviously really bad, but also an incredibly isolated, unique incident, however dangerous and brutal. I've spent four seasons climbing in Peru and - aside from the occasional squabbles with dishonest arrieros or petty thefts - have nothing but magnificent memories of the people of that marvelous place.

To avoid a country as huge and rich geographically as Peru based on a single such incident smacks of racism, and at the very least you're doing yourself an enormous dis-service by missing this place. How many tourists visit Peru each year and how many incidents of violence? Compared to the United states? to Italy?

The points made about 3rd world (in this case 2.5 world) travel are completely valid though; to think that you can just casually drive through a place as vast as South America and expect no trouble is mind-bogglingly naive; it's still the wild west out there - very, very much so. Add in miner's communities (mostly Japanese and Canadian owned companies, btw) who literally kill trouble makers or survivor's of Pinochet's massive massacres escaping north, and you bet you have some pissed off people. Doesn't absolve the violence of course, but it makes it understandable.

The current government of Paraguay isn't even recognized by ANY other South American state due to its being an obvious US patsy set-up (this comment coming from a self-professed patriot) Blow-back to American policies in South America? Who would have ever guessed?